Which term describes the process of assigning authority to employees to do work that a manager at a higher organizational level would otherwise do?

• A. Delegation
• B. Crew Schedule
• C. Departmental (team) goal
• D. Critical Incidents

Answer: (A)

Delegation is the act of giving someone the authority to perform tasks that a higher-level manager would normally do. It involves transferring not just the tasks but the decision-making power needed to complete them, along with clear expectations, resources, and a deadline. This helps extend a manager’s reach, develop staff skills, and keep operations moving smoothly. In hospitality, delegation might mean a supervisor approving routine purchases or a line cook adjusting a prep schedule within defined guidelines, all while the manager remains accountable for the overall outcome.

The other options don’t describe this transfer of authority. A crew schedule is about assigning shifts, a team goal is a target to achieve, and critical incidents are about documenting and responding to unusual events.